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Dear Readers, Montpellier inaugurated this summer its new greenhouse, exhibiting flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. The city thus continues its tradition of scientific research, which one might argue began with the Medicine faculty and adjoining botanical garden, the origins of which go back to the 12th century. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the effect on the extensive rainforest on the global climate. The greenhouse represents another extension to the city's impressive infrastructure which in 2007 has seen the reopening of the Musee Fabre, with its extensive collection of artworks, a new rugby ground, and coming soon, a new aquarium. We take a look in this newsletter. Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, kindly read on. Theme of the fortnight: The Amazon greenhouse (Serre Amazonienne) in Montpellier, is unique in France. Built beside the city zoo to the north of the city centre, it has four main objectives:- conservation of flora and fauna, for education and raising awareness of the various threats to the Amazon rainforest, for the purposes of research, and finally, to serve as a tourist attraction. It is no coincidence that there are in Montpellier many researchers working on the Amazon region, in addition to a satellite office of the Brazilian research institute EMBRAPA.  The greenhouse has seven different climate zones and five biotopes, each of the latter corresponding to a uniform set of environmental conditions with a specific assembly of plants and animals. Features include dense forest, a mangrove, a waterfall and a grotto. Visitors are greeted by pyranhas and other carniverous fish in the mangrove at the entrance before being guided along a pathway that snakes through the greenhouse, exhibiting an impressive array of between flora and fauna; among the latter, monkeys, primitive looking reptiles, colourful birds - the toucan being a seemingly very lively and strking example, snakes (Boa constrictor, Anaconda), and the Goliath bird eating spider. The six banded armadillo, toucan and spectacled caiman - a sort of miniature alligator, particularly curious of onlookers - are easy favourites.  The Amazon rainforest is the largest natural territory on the planet, one of the richest in biodiversity, and alas most threatened. For the Mayor of Montpellier, the greenhouse, unique in France and representing an investment of 12M€ funded mainly by the city, is a place of discovery and amazement for all, a place to raise public awareness of concerns, and a research centre. It is spread over 2900m² under a roof 17m high and with sophisticated IT systems that reproduce twice hourly storms. The interior is lit by windows in south and west facades and the roof. Life extends beyond the confines of the four walls. An island on the eastern side communicates with an interior zone so that various species of monkey can venture outdoors. On the north side, besides a duck pond, the facade is a vegetal wall rich with plants selected for their aptitude to thrive away from direct sunlight. This will hopefully serve to raise the profile of vegetal walls - a technique gaining speed in personal homes given the excellent insulation characteristics and aesthetics.  The historical botanical garden in Montpellier (Jardin des Plantes) in contrast, under the jurisdiction of the Medicine faculty will be undergoing the preparation of an Americo-Indian vegetable garden. All the animals have come from European zoos or breeding centres. Various species of monkey have become particularly scarce in the wild and are currently subject to European breeding plan. A brief compendium: Fauna - Among the birds are the white-faced whistling-duck, Brazilian teal duck, comb duck, silver teal, cinnamon teal, scarlet ibis, thick-billed Heron, sunbittern, motmot, New Guinea flightless rail, gray-winged trumpeter, wattle jacana, toucan, curassows, Guira cuckoo, scarlet-rumped cacique, crested oropendola, troupial and Brazilian tanager. - Various species of monkey are present along with other medium sized mammals like the two toed sloth. - Among reptiles are the South American river turtle, Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle, South American yellow-footed tortoise, spectacled caiman, green anole, green basilisk, common green iguana, Tupinambis lizard, green anaconda, emerald tree boa constrictor. - Amphibians include the blue poison frog, yellow-banded poison frog, and green and black poison dart frog. - Aquariums and mangrove areas enclose the four-eyed fish, red-bellied piranha, arowana, giant arapaima, pirapatinga, speckled pavon, Leopard sailfin pleco, Motoro sting ray, Black Bullhead, and Tiger fish. - The goliath bird eating spider represents the arthropod group. Flora Similarly, all trees and vegetation derive from nurseries in the Americas - United States (Florida), Costa Rica, Brazil - but also Thailand. Small plants come from nurseries in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The diverse selection includes palm and broad leave trees and ferns. Specialists will be familiar with the following species in: >dense forest; the Cana indica, Costus cuspidatus and Heliconia angusta. >mangroves; Anthurium ferrierense and Philodendron elegans. >mountain forests; Philodendron panduriforme, Tillandsia cyanea, Vriesea carinata. >openings in the forest canopy; Epiphyte Orchids, Bicoloured Cattleya, Cattleya mossiae. Practical information Take the tramway line 1 to St. Eloi stop and then shuttle bus toward Agropolis Lavalette. Otherwise zoo parking. Visit duration: approximately 1 hour Telephone: 04 67 54 45 23 Top Property: Ref. 42 (Off-plan apartments overlooking the town of Sete, the Mediterranean coastline and the Thau Lagoon): Residence 'Les Marches du Soleil' 'Les Marches du Soleil' residence will overlook the town of Sete, the Mediterranean coastline and Thau lagoon. The picturesque Mont St. Clair will be its backdrop. The residence will comprise villas and apartments with terraces or gardens set within landscaped gardens with a swimming pool. Quality materials will be employed to ensure a high level of comfort - air conditioning will be fitted and the latest standards in thermal and acoustic insulation. ... Prices from 133,500 Euros to 267,000 Euros. Further details can be found here.   +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Contact: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/message.php For all other information: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com About James Properties France: Based in Montpellier in the south of France, bringing to you a carefully picked selection of properties within a 70 mile radius - with the occasional more distant exception - that are chosen for their combinations of attributes, most notably: - Setting of outstanding natural beauty - Distinct character or unusual features - Quality of renovation or authenticity - Value for money James Properties France (JPF) serves primarily an English speaking, though often highly Francophile clientele looking to move or own a second home in the south of France around such places as Uzes, Nîmes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. The property selection proposed by JPF is targeted to fit buyers from abroad in terms of types of location, accessibility, environment / landscapes, and types and formats of construction. Besides bringing you a wide array of properties, JPF helps by running specific searches in the Gard and Hérault. JPF acts as an intermediary between you and a number of regional estate agencies, at no extra charge. Selections of properties that meet your criteria can be established prior to your visits, any linguistic issues totally alleviated, questions about French procedures and legislation addressed quickly, and information on prices and property details addressed plainly by all parties. JPF also presents a wide selection of off plan properties throughout France. If you are thinking about a leaseback operation, traditional buy-to-let or an apartment or villa for personal usage, JPF can help. Regions where JPF is particularly present include Paris / Ile de France, Languedoc Roussillon, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur, Aquitaine and Brittany. Please browse options on the Off Plan Property Page. JPF helps you with your purchase from the beginning to the end of the process, often communicating with the assigned notary to make sure that content and conditions of sale are correctly documented, ensuring all is in order for completion, and keeping you informed of progress. Insurance and utilities can also be arranged. Should you wish to have assistance in maintaining or making alterations to your house, or any formalities associated with property ownership or financing in France, JPF can give assistance on an hourly basis. Finally, if you are looking to sell your property in the south of France, JPF can also help. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/newsletter.php |